Take your dog to work day

By Morgan Giordano and Eric Lyons

Social media celebrates the 16th annual Take Your Dog to Work Day, bringing a whole new meaning to working like a dog.

If your Instagram and Twitter feeds have blown up with pictures of dogs and you are not sure why, prepare to be jealous. Friday, June 20th marked the 16th annual Take Your Dog to Work Day. It is similar to Take Your Child to Work Day, but with less complaining. Workers are allowed to bring in their furry friends for one day and let them roam the offices while others pretend to get work done. According to its website, Pet Sitters International created Take Your Dog to Work Day in 1999 "to celebrate the great companions dogs make and encourage their adoptions from local shelters, rescue groups and humane societies." The occasion is always celebrated the Friday after Father's Day.

Some companies, however, do not want to be limited to the confines of just one day and are "pet-friendly offices." Google's Code of Conduct states "affection for our canine friends is an integral facet of our corporate culture." Thrillist Media Group's company policy states "pets ... bring 'em and we'll feed them all our garbage!"

Amazon's canine policy began with a corgi named Rufus who, according to the online retailer's website, accompanied the website's former editor-in-chief and principal engineer to the office every day. Even though he died in 2009, the memory of "Amazon's shortest volunteer worker" lives on through a dog friendly culture.

Countless others, including Ben & Jerry's and Etsy, now allow employees to be accompanied by their four-legged friends. Many cite how animals in the office de-stress workers and create a more casual environment.

To the cat lovers who feel left out ... have no fear! Pet Sitters International declared the entire week leading up to Take Your Dog to Work Day as Take Your Pet To Work Week.